Home, Truly

Growing Up with Singapore, 1950s to the Present

Investigator’s Journal (Recommended for ages 13 and above)

Dear Investigator, You have been selected as part of a special taskforce to uncover the historical figures and moments that have shaped Singapore over the years. Your journey will take you through the special exhibition, Home, Truly: Growing Up with Singapore, 1950s to the Present in the basement, and the Singapore History Gallery on level 1.

Home, Truly explores moments and experiences in our history that express

our identity as Singaporeans. These include crises and challenges that have occasionally struck Singapore over the years. In response, Singaporeans have displayed resilience, grit and innovation to adapt and carry on with life.

You can pick a route to explore this exhibition and sections of the Singapore History Gallery:

Route 1

Route 2

Singapore’s Road to Independence

Citizenship and a Sense of Belonging

What were the local and global forces that influenced Singapore’s road to independence?

How did people in Singapore form connections with each other and with Singapore in the postindependence years?

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Home, Truly

Growing Up with Singapore, 1950s to the Present

Here are a few tips to take note of as you explore the galleries: Examine the objects in the museum carefully • Touch the objects only if the signs indicate that it is permissible to do so.

Limit food and beverages to outside the galleries •

It is important to keep the galleries free of food and moisture, as food could attract insects that can cause irreparable harm to artefacts, and moisture could cause certain materials to deteriorate.

Take photographs without flash • Flash from cameras damages sensitive materials like paper and textiles. It also greatly shortens their lifespan.

Find out more about the artefacts • Scan the QR codes in this booklet to discover more information about each artefact through short videos.

Most importantly, start your journey with a curious mind!

All the best!

Warm regards, Lead Investigator

Scan QR code or click on the link to watch a short introduction video! https://go.gov.sg/htij-intro

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Finding your way around Route 1: Singapore’s Road to Independence Route 2: Citizenship and a Sense of Belonging Reflections

3 5 – 12 13 – 21 22

Finding your way around Use the navigational maps to help you locate the artefacts in the different zones. There are many artefacts to explore, and stories to discover and listen to in each location.

Level 1: Singapore History Gallery

E

H

F

A

3

Home, Truly

Growing Up with Singapore, 1950s to the Present

B

D

Legend:

Route 1: Singapore’s Road to Independence

Route 2: Citizenship and a Sense of Belonging

A

B

The Turbulent 1950s and 1960s

E “Majulah Singapura”

Red Alert

F Markers of Identity

C

1959 General Election

G Festivals and Food

D

Singapore is Out

H Growing Up I

Overcoming Crises

Basement: Home, Truly: Growing Up with Singapore, 1950s to the Present Self Explore

Self Explore

H

Self Explore

I

Self Explore

Self Explore

Self Explore

F

C Self Explore

G

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Growing Up with Singapore, 1950s to the Present

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Route 1: Singapore’s Road to Independence What were the local and global forces that influenced Singapore’s road to independence?

LOCATION:

Singapore, Singapore History Gallery, Level 1

A The Turbulent 1950s and 1960s During World War Two, Singapore fell to the invading Japanese forces after the swift defeat of the British. The image of Western superiority and invincibility was shattered.

After the war, the British government returned and struggled to provide jobs and basic amenities for the people of Singapore.

Locate these woodblock prints in the gallery and take a closer look at them.

“Extortion”, 1957, Collection of the National Museum of Singapore (1999-02609)

Scan QR code or click on the link to watch a short video for more information! https://go.gov.sg/htij-r1-a

“Drainage Works at Potong Pasir”, c1957, Collection of the National Museum of Singapore (1999-02614)

“5-1-3”, 1954, Collection of the National Museum of Singapore (2000-03787)

1 How would you describe the facial expressions

of the different people depicted in these prints?

Surprised / Worried / Happy / Sad / Concerned Other emotions that you note:

3

Why do you think the people in the prints are showing these emotions?

2 What do you think is happening in the three

prints above?

5-1-3: Extortion: Drainage Works at Potong Pasir:

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Growing Up with Singapore, 1950s to the Present

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LOCATION:

Singapore, Singapore History Gallery, Level 1

B Red Alert Shortly after World War Two, communism, a political ideology which began in the Soviet Union, was gaining ground around the world.

The Malayan Communist Party, also known as MCP, was allowed to operate after World War Two because it had been Britain’s ally against the Japanese during the war. However, when the MCP attempted to infiltrate trade unions and make use of the people’s unhappiness to gain supporters, the British clamped down on its activities. The Malayan Emergency was declared in 1948 after an outbreak of violence in Malaya that was initiated by the MCP. 1

Scan QR code or click on the link to watch a short video for more information! https://go.gov.sg/htij-r1-b

Take a look at the artefacts in this zone. In your opinion, what were the external factors which encouraged the youths’ sympathy towards the communists?

“The Communist Manifesto” booklet in Chinese, 1955, Collection of the National Museum of Singapore (2006-01634). Gift of Annie Tan Guek Neo

2 Are you surprised by the communist notice in

Jawi Malay on the left? What do you think was

its purpose?

Communist notice in Jawi Malay, 1950, Collection of the National Museum of Singapore (199600401). Gift of Lim Choo Ming

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Home, Truly

Growing Up with Singapore, 1950s to the Present

LOCATION:

Laying the Foundations, Home, Truly Exhibition, Basement

C 1959 General Election The 1950s and 1960s also saw the emergence of local leaders who captured the imagination of the people in Singapore with their anticolonial speeches and passion for Singapore.

Scan QR code or

click on the link David Marshall was elected Singapore’s first chief minister in 1955. to watch a short He tried to negotiate for full internal self-government for Singapore video for more information! but failed and resigned in 1956. He was replaced by Lim Yew Hock, https://go.gov.sg/htij-r1-c who succeeded in negotiating full internal self-government (with the exception of internal security, defence and foreign affairs) for Singapore.

This paved the way for the 1959 General Election to be held, which was fiercely contested between the People’s Action Party (PAP) and the Singapore People’s Alliance (SPA).

Election flyer for Singapore People’s Alliance (SPA) candidate Lim Yew Hock (front and back), 1959−1963, Collection of the National Museum of Singapore (2007-52939-004)

1 Examine this election flyer. Can you identify the languages printed on it? a.

c.

b.

d.

2 Why do you think the election flyer features so many different languages?

3 Do you agree with the portrayal of the two political parties?

Why do you say so?

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LOCATION:

Laying the Foundations, Home, Truly Exhibition, Basement

SELF-EXPLORATION Find out more about how people in Singapore felt about the 1959 election and merging with Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak to form Malaysia in 1963.

National Day Parades Take a look at this first day cover for Singapore’s National Day. Did you know that from 1960 to 1963, before Singapore merged with Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak to form Malaysia, Singapore celebrated its National Day on 3 June, the day when it attained full internal self-government in 1959?

First day cover for Singapore’s National Day, 3 June 1961, Collection of the National Museum of Singapore (1995-04455)

Observe the beautiful photographs of National Day Parades from the 1960s to the present. Can you recall the last time you watched the National Day Parade in person? How did you feel sitting in the crowd with fellow Singaporeans, watching the performances and singing the songs?

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Home, Truly

Growing Up with Singapore, 1950s to the Present

LOCATION:

Laying the Foundations, Home, Truly Exhibition, Basement

New Symbols, New Identity In the years between Singapore’s full internal self-government status (1959) and merger with Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak (1963), new symbols and markers of identity were introduced to represent the new identity of Singapore and Singaporeans.

In this section of the exhibition, you can explore artefacts and read oral history quotes that highlight these political changes from the 1950s to the 1960s.

State of Singapore National Loyalty Week Card, 1959, Collection of the National Museum of Singapore (2000-01194, 2000-01195). Gift of Ms Quek Yuen Yuan, Ana

Did you know that when Malaysia was formed in 1963, there were 14 member states, including Singapore? Can you spot the Singapore flag in the display? Do you recognise the flags of the other member states of Malaysia?

Paper flags of the states of Malaysia, 1963, Collection of the National Museum of Singapore (2007-52586)

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LOCATION:

Singapore, Singapore History Gallery, Level 1

D Singapore is Out In 1959, Britain granted Singapore full internal self-government. The People’s Action Party (PAP) led by Lee Kuan Yew had won the general election.

To fulfil PAP’s election promise of ending colonialism and achieving independence, Mr Lee believed merger with Malaya was the only option for Singapore’s survival.

He faced resistance from the pro-communist faction in the PAP, which broke away in 1961 to form the Barisan Sosialis, an opposition party. On 16 September 1963, Singapore became part of Malaysia. The merger only lasted for two years, however, and in 1965, Singapore separated from Malaysia to become an independent state.

1

A reason behind Singapore’s separation from Malaysia was a difference in the vision for Malaysia. Based on the two artefacts on the right, booklets published by the Singapore government, what do you think is the central idea of Singapore’s vision for a Malaysian Malaysia? Please circle the correct answer below. a Preferential treatment for one race

b All races would be treated equally

2 Why do you think this vision was important?

“The Battle for a Malaysian Malaysia”, a booklet published by the Ministry of Culture, c. 1965, Collection of the National Museum of Singapore (2010-02163)

“Wei Malaixiyaren De Malaixiya Er Douzheng (Struggle for a Malaysian Malaysia)”, a Chinese booklet published by the Ministry of Culture, 1965, Collection of the National Museum of Singapore (2000-07933)

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Home, Truly

Growing Up with Singapore, 1950s to the Present

LOCATION:

Singapore, Singapore History Gallery, Level 1

In this section of the gallery, you will see a video clip of Singapore’s first Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, announcing Singapore’s separation from Malaysia in a televised press conference.

Scan QR code or click on the link to watch a short video for more information!

Watch the segment titled “Note to Singaporeans” from the 05:15 mark and fill in the missing words.

https://go.gov.sg/htij-r1-d

“I would like finally, if I may, just to speak not to you but really to the people of Singapore. I have been so busy in the last few days, I haven’t had the time to compose my thoughts in writing to tell you what it is all about and why what has happened has happened.

There is nothing to be worried about it. Many things will go on as usual. But be firm, be calm. We are going to have a

nation in Singapore.

We will set the example. This is not a Malay nation; this is not a Chinese nation; this is not an Indian nation. Everybody will have his place: ,

,

;

.

And finally, let us really

– I cannot call myself a Malaysian

now – we

, language, religion, culture.”

, regardless of

3 Which of the values mentioned above are still relevant today? Why?

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Growing Up with Singapore, 1950s to the Present

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Route 2: Citizenship and a Sense of Belonging How did people in Singapore form connections with each other and with Singapore in the post-independence years?

LOCATION:

Singapore, Singapore History Gallery, Level 1

E “Majulah Singapura” “Majulah Singapura”, which means “Onward Singapore”, was originally written in 1958 by Zubir Said for the Singapore City Council. When Singapore gained full internal self-government status in 1959, this song was chosen as Singapore’s state anthem, with some modifications to the tempo, tune and lyrics. On 3 December 1959 during National Loyalty Week, the anthem was unveiled together with the national flag and crest.

Scan QR code or click on the link to watch a short video for more information! https://go.gov.sg/htij-r2-e

“Majulah Singapura” flexi disc, 1959, Collection of the National Museum of Singapore (2014-00970-001, 2014-00970-002). Gift of Low Kam Hoong

1 Re-arrange the lyrics of “Majulah Singapura” in the correct order, by numbering

them from 1 to 9, with number 1 being the first line of the anthem.

Dengan semangat yang baru

Semua kita berseru

Majulah Singapura

Cita-cita kita yang mulia

Marilah kita bersatu

Berjaya Singapura

Sama-sama menuju bahagia

Mari kita rakyat Singapura

Majulah Singapura 2 Why do you think it was important for Singapore to have a national anthem,

flag and crest?

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LOCATION:

Singapore, Singapore History Gallery, Level 1

F Markers of Identity With Singapore’s independence, its people were recognised as citizens of Singapore. Legal documents that reflected the Singapore citizen’s identity were issued, such as the identity card and passport.

In May 1966, a national registration exercise was held in conjunction with the introduction of a new identity card.

Scan QR code or click on the link to watch a short video for more information! https://go.gov.sg/htij-r2-f

1

In recent years, the Singapore passport has been ranked one of the most “powerful” passports in the world. In your opinion, what contributed to our national passport being so highly regarded globally today?

Singapore passport, 1960s, Collection of the National Museum of Singapore (2011-00730). Gift of Mei-Mei Moore

LOCATION:

Laying the Foundations, Home, Truly Exhibition, Basement

2 Find and read the caption of the artefact on the

left and circle either True or False for each

statement.

Republic of Singapore identity card belonging to Ho Tuck Yew, 1966, Collection of the National Museum of Singapore (2020-00057). Gift of Michael Ho Peng Choy and family

a.

Under the National Registration Act of 1965, all Singaporeans above 12 years of age had to register for an identity card.

True / False

b. 1.5 million identity cards were issued to

citizens of Singapore in 1966.

True / False 15

Home, Truly

Growing Up with Singapore, 1950s to the Present

LOCATION:

Moving In, Home, Truly Exhibition, Basement

G Festivals and Food From catching up with relatives over reunion dinner and joining the Muslim community in the traditional breaking of fast, to preparing a meal filled with aromatic spices for the Festival of Lights, celebrating major festivals and feasting on festive treats together have helped Singaporeans to understand and form close bonds with each other.

Scan QR code or click on the link to watch a short video for more information! https://go.gov.sg/htij-r2-g

Postcard of children playing with lanterns during the Mid-autumn Festival, c. 1980s, Collection of the National Museum of Singapore (2008-05401)

1 Which is your favourite ethnic festival to celebrate in Singapore?

Why do you enjoy celebrating this festival every year?

2 What memories do you have that are associated with this festival?

3 Have you celebrated a festival or eaten food from another culture?

What was the experience like?

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LOCATION:

Moving In, Home, Truly Exhibition, Basement

H Growing Up Schools have always provided a platform, both within and outside the classroom, for students of various backgrounds and races to meet, learn together, and for some, create special memories that last a lifetime.

Scan QR code or click on the link to watch a short video for more information! https://go.gov.sg/htij-r2-h

Maha Bodhi Primary School classroom writing desk, 1960s, Collection of the National Museum of Singapore (201200490)

Singapore Schools’ Sports Council Medal, 1984, Collection of the National Museum of Singapore (1995-11472)

1 Take a look at the artefacts and photos in this section. Do you notice any

similarities and differences between the school-going experience of the

past and your current school-going experience?

Similarities

Differences

2 How does going to school in Singapore help to bring children together?

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Home, Truly

Growing Up with Singapore, 1950s to the Present

LOCATION:

Moving In, Home, Truly Exhibition, Basement

SELF-EXPLORATION Recreation

Popular Culture

Examine the photographs and oral history quotes on display to find out more about the types of recreational activities that Singaporeans used to enjoy with their family and friends!

The arrival of television in Singapore in the 1960s was a new technology that captivated many Singaporeans. In the 1960s and 1970s, it was common for neighbours to visit each other’s home to watch television shows as not all families could afford a television.

Postcard of the East Coast Park swimming lagoon and the Marine Parade public housing estate, late 1970s–1980s, Collection of the National Museum of Singapore (200804929)

Postcard of the Big Splash aquatic centre, 1980s, Collection of the National Museum of Singapore (200804600)

Where do you go for leisure with your family and friends? What memories do you have of visiting these places?

“Talentime” award and vinyl record with cover, 1968, Collection of the National Museum of Singapore (2016-00187)

Philips discovery helmet television, 1970s, Collection of the National Museum of Singapore (2006-00507)

How does watching television shows bring people together? What shows do you watch now that bring you closer to your family and friends?

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LOCATION:

Living Together, Home, Truly Exhibition, Basement

SELF-EXPLORATION Discover how Singaporeans of diverse backgrounds have strived to live together harmoniously, build connections with each other, and grow in strength as a nation.

Campaigns Take a closer look at the photographs and artefacts related to campaigns that were introduced in Singapore over the years!

Courtesy campaign poster, 1980s, Collection of the National Museum of Singapore (2005-00426). Gift of the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts

POSBank Smiley Squirrel doorknob hanger, 1980s, Collection of the National Museum of Singapore (2001-01059). Gift of POSB Centre (POSBank)

Why do you think these campaigns were introduced?

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Home, Truly

Growing Up with Singapore, 1950s to the Present

LOCATION:

Living Together, Home, Truly Exhibition, Basement

Cleaning and Greening Singapore Since the 1960s, Singapore has introduced various national initiatives such as the “Keep Singapore Clean” campaign. These initiatives were meant to encourage Singaporeans to care for common spaces such as hawker centres, schools and beaches. Today, a clean and green environment is an intrinsic part of the Singaporean identity.

Think back to the last time you helped your family or friends clean your home or classroom. How did you feel working together with your family and friends to keep the space clean?

“Hawkers and The Health Law” booklet, 1980s, Collection of the National Museum of Singapore (201400621)

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LOCATION:

Sturdy through Storms, Home, Truly Exhibition, Basement

I

Overcoming Crises

From the pre-independence years to the present, crises and challenges have occasionally struck our small nation. In the face of each adversity, Singaporeans have come together to overcome these crises and emerge stronger to face the future together.

Scan QR code or click on the link to watch a short video for more information! https://go.gov.sg/htij-r2-i

SARS thermometer set, 2003, Collection of the National Museum of Singapore (2008-06989).

Gift of Teh Eng Eng

N95 respirator, 2020.

1 The two artefacts above represent the SARS epidemic and haze

respectively, both of which affected many Singaporeans and had a

devastating impact on Singapore’s economy.

Take a look at the photographs and oral history quotes on display.

Name two other crises that affected Singapore. a.

b.

2 How do such crises bring people together?

3 Name one way that you can contribute to fight against the ongoing

COVID-19 pandemic to keep our fellow Singaporeans safe.

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Growing Up with Singapore, 1950s to the Present

REFLECTIONS Now that you have completed your investigation of the historical moments that have shaped Singapore over the years, what are some of the lessons you will take away from your museum experience?

A What are three new things that you have learnt about Singapore’s history?

1.

2.

3.

B What are two questions that you have about Singapore’s history after

today’s experience?

1.

2.

C Name or draw one way you show your connection to your family, school or

Singapore in your daily life.

Your Home, Truly journey does not need to end here!

Scan the QR code or click on the link to access the digital companion to the exhibition where you can uncover more stories and artefacts. https://go.gov.sg/at-home-truly

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This resource has been put together in collaboration with the Academy of Singapore Teachers (AST).

All information is correct at the time of print. The National Museum of Singapore reserves the right to make changes and modifications to the exhibition without prior notice.

All rights reserved. Materials in this publication may not be reproduced in part or in whole without written consent from the Museum, the publisher. © 2021 National Museum of Singapore